The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I couldn't resist buying a collection of an original 1930's or 1940 78's 12" on the Victor red label. It is recordings of Benedictine monks of the Abbey in Solesmes, France of Gregorian Chants on six 12" recordings. I think what I have read elsewhere indicates the records were recorded in 1930. I bought it for the collector in mind, and have listed it on ebay at almost what I paid for them ($19.95) and the item can ship USPS as "media mail". I am hoping that one who is fond of Gregorian Chants on an early recording would enjoy collecting the item since it is the "grandfather" of Gregorian Chants. Unfortunately, I do not have a player to sample the recordings, but a visual of the recordings shown few, if any, scratches on the recording and hardly any fingerprints. The first 12" on the "A" side has a chip out (not completely thru the record) on the black lead before the first Chant begins, which is "Kyrie Eleison". It is on the side labeled M87-1 7341A. All other records are in excellent condition, in the original sleeve, of the original box set. Take a look on ebay and if any serious collector has further questions, I am happy to answer. Here is the link you can cut & paste: http://www.ebay.com/itm/281385050139?ss ... 1558.l2649.

It doesn't get any better than than the Monks of Solesmes. Not only are they the supreme practitioners of the Chant, but they are the guardian-keepers of the tradition, and scholars par excellence. They are the Gold Standard. Fortunately, their recordings are, or have been, available on CD as well.

The Chant is the basis for *all* Western music.

I am going to try to find the CD version of the Solesmes monk Gregorian chants that I mentioned since I do not have any vehicle to play the 78's. I can only imagine the richness of the music on these records. Thanks for letting me know that the Solesmes monks are the "gold standard" of the chant.

Here you go: http://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&field-a ... s'%20Choir

Accept no substitute! (Disclaimer: this endorsement comes from a lapsed Lutheran!)